With labor day around the corner, I felt it was high time for an end of summer wine list. It’s nearly September, but some of us are a little weary of stepping into fall. We’re slowly transitioning from light meals to heavier ones, incorporating pumpkin spice into lattes, and preparing for shorter days. So, I have the perfect list to keep summer here a little longer while leading into some fuller autumn styles.

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The End of Summer Wine List

2020 Cantine di Ora II Casato Pinot Grigio from Valdadige Italy

More than your typical Pinot Grigio, this wine can truly be enjoyed all year round making it the perfect end of summer wine. At only $14.99, it’s a great price you’ll only find with WineAccess. This Pinot Grigio got rave reviews from wine tasters and sommeliers alike. We don’t often find Pinot Grigio in the high 90’s on point scales – when we do it’s typically at a much, much higher price point – making this bottle a rare find! Get it while it lasts, because it’s only here for a limited time.

I recommend serving this one with my Beer Batter Salmon Fish Tacos or Peruvian Chicken Skewers.

Louis Latour Beaune Perriers Premier Cru

This excellent end of summer wine is one that I recommend to many clients for food and wine dinners. It goes great with nearly anything while sitting outside on a deck enjoying the sunset. Light body and bright fruits make this wine great for warm days, while warm spices and herbs pair with a brisk evening too. Only a very small allotment was made from a Premier Cru site (click to learn more about why that matters). At $69 a bottle, this wine is one for a special evening.

I recommend serving this with Steak Au Poivre, or simply with a charcuterie board.

Daniel Chotard Sancerre

I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a Sancerre in this end of summer wine list. Sancerre can be quite coveted depending on where it’s from. All Sancerre is not created equal. There are specific plots, like in Burgundy, that are better than others. However, unlike Burgundy, Sancerre doesn’t have a hierarchy labeling system. This can lead to simple wines getting mixed with impeccable, superior ones on store shelves. Leaving the consumer to determine which is which.

When looking for Sancerre, I personally think you should stay at $26+. Anything less I’ve found, for the most part, to be disappointing. It’s not a hard and fast rule, but it’s a simple one. At $29 a bottle, this one is one to get 2 of!

I recommend pairing this wine with my Spicy Crab Spaghetti or Halibut in Carrot Ginger Broth.

Castello di Bossi Berardo Chianti Classico Reserva

Chianti Classico Reserva can be a mouthful to say, but it’s typically the long way to say great value wines. This wine, at $30 is a true Chianti Classico and it’s worth every penny. My previous wine review on a Chianti Classico Reserva was for a “good” for an everyday drinker. This wine takes Chianti Classicos to the next level and would be considered a “very good” wine. It will have decent complexity with notes of spicy oak, medium + levels of tannin, bright red fruits and savory herbs. Get it while it lasts!

Try this one with my Homemade Bolognese or serve alongside my Basil Granita with Heirloom Tomato Salad. The notes in the balsamic reduction will reflect the balsamic notes in the Chianti.

Meadowcroft Vineyards Chardonnay

I am so excited that WineAccess got an allotment of Meadowcroft Chardonnay. I have a friend who used to work in their tasting room and introduced me to the brand. It’s not just a great wine, it’s all about sustainability and giving back to the environment. Check out their website for the reason behind the bee on the label. This Chardonnay is one of my favorites from the Meadowcroft lineup, rich and bright this wine is a great compromise for both stainless steel lovers and those who love a touch of buttery richness.

This wine would be excellent paired with my gluten-free Fritters and Special Sauce as well as Curry Beurre Blanc with Grilled Salmon.

Did you try any of these pairings or recipes? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts! What are some of your favorite end of summer wines?